2166 Mission Ridge Road, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 (MLS# 19-2832)

Supplements: This singular hacienda's original owner commissioned noted architect Chester Carjola, whose other works are believed to include Santa Barbara Natural History Museum's Fleischmann Auditorium and Gladwin Planetarium, as well as the original University of California at Santa Barbara Library. Subsequent owners engaged the highly respected international ... (Read more) This singular hacienda's original owner commissioned noted architect Chester Carjola, whose other works are believed to include Santa Barbara Natural History Museum's Fleischmann Auditorium and Gladwin Planetarium, as well as the original University of California at Santa Barbara Library. Subsequent owners engaged the highly respected international architecture, landscape and interior design firm, Harrison Design. The strong yet refined presence of this world-class residence is first manifest in its diaphanous iron entrance gates flanked and supported by native stone columns. The driveway leads to a roomy motor court, and a walkway to the turreted entry, where an impressive custom wrought iron and glass door awaits. As one steps into the home's welcoming entry hall, the feeling is one of stepping into the richness of history. From the hall's embossed Spanish tile underfoot and richly-stained wood beams and shiplap overhead, one's gaze -- moving through doorways and rooms aligned in an enfilade  alights on the terrace and gardens beyond. While the living room welcomes camaraderie with its beamed cathedral ceiling, fireplace and multi-pane picture window overlooking a sizeable stone patio and the generous grounds, the adjacent study invites quiet contemplation. Its Old-World charm is manifest in traditional wainscoting, walls of Schumacher grass cloth, a coffered ceiling, and built-in bookcases flanking French doors to a wraparound terrace. The formal dining room, designed to accommodate numerous guests, is open through three generous archways to the north hall which, in turn and through two sets of French doors, provides access to an expansive central courtyard. The true heart of any home is its kitchen. In this case, privilege and practicality come together in a truly beautiful culinary center combining functional yet attractive design with the finest accouterments. Top-of-the-line appliances complement newly finished wide plank wood floors, custom cabinetry and a versatile center island. The space opens to an intimate courtyard and a comfortable family room. Four guestrooms, all with baths en suite, are conveniently located on the home's ground level, making them easily accessible to every interior and exterior public living area and all amenities. At the confluence of two central hallways -- one with spacious walls perfect for display of treasured artworks, and with French doors to both the central courtyard and an exterior terrace  a dramatic spiral staircase leads to the home's second floor retreat. The upper level is reserved for the master suite, a secluded sanctuary rivalling the accommodations at a fine world-class resort. The bedroom features a wide-plank wood floor, lovely fireplace, vaulted ceiling, and French doors to a private wraparound terrace looking out to the grounds, mountains and peeks of the ocean. The luxurious master bathroom offers dual sinks flanking an elevated soaking tub, and access to a pair of walk-in closets. Three terraces, a large patio and two courtyards offer abundant, easily accessible venues for enjoyment of Santa Barbara's Mediterranean climate and coveted indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The central courtyard features an enchanting blue-tiled fountain, the "kitchen courtyard" hosts a delightful fireplace, and there is a new outdoor kitchen sure to please the home cook or caterer as well as family and guests savoring al fresco dining. Beyond the patio and emerald lawn, stone walking paths mosey through stands of mature oaks and lead to rose gardens and an orchard with avocado, lime, grapefruit and kumquat trees.